Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas weekend!

As I look at my live Christmas tree…well at least it was alive at one time… I have made a major decision. I am switching to an artificial tree for next year. I saw a great one on sale for half price and if they still have one, I am going to buy it.

Maybe it’s my age. Maybe it’s the fact that live or cut trees are becoming increasingly more expensive and harder to find. I will miss the smell of a real tree. But I won’t miss watering it.

With an artificial tree I don’t have to worry about rushing to buy a tree. Mine will be in a box ready to put up when it is convenient for me. I want have to take care of it or vacuum up needles when it is moved to the curb.

The decision to make the change to an artificial tree just feels right. It has been a holiday season of change for me in many ways so why not add one more.

It is my first Christmas in 65 years without my father. It is the first Christmas my daughter isn’t opening gifts on Christmas morning at my house. All of the unwrapping will be done at her Nana’s house after Christmas dinner.

Many of you have an empty chair at the Christmas dinner table for the first time this year. Believe me when I say I understand what you are going through.

On a brighter note, there will be many houses where new faces will be included in the celebration from newborn babies to new husbands and wives. I revel in your joy.

Admittedly, it has been difficult for me to get into the holiday spirit because of the circumstances surrounding my life. I know commemorating the birth of Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. That is not lost on me. In fact, I will be presiding at communion at my church Christmas morning to give thanks to God not only for that birth, but for his willingness to let his son die an agonizing death to save us all from sin.

I usually love Christmas. For some reason at this time of the year people appear happier, friendlier and kinder. It is peace on earth and good will toward men.

But as Ebenezer Scrooge says in FX’s dark, dark version of “A Christmas Carol” why can’t people be friendly and kind to each other 364 days of the year and then have one day when we can really say what we really think about people.

It would be idealistic, though unrealistic, to think we can carry on with the Christmas spirit all year. But wouldn’t it be great if someone smiles and says “hi” or “hello” that you respond in kind whether you know the person or not.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone asks you how you are feeling that they truly want to know the answer. And when you are in need of a kind word or a kind deed when someone asks if there is anything they can do to help that they really mean it.

No, it can’t be Christmas all year. But enjoy the weekend we have to celebrate.